Rowan Co. commissioners begin meeting with open prayer Monday

By:
Trish Williford

Updated: Sep 16, 2013 - 5:25 PM

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ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. - Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over a Rowan County Commissioners meeting on Monday night as hundreds rallied for the right to pray in public meetings, an issue that Eyewitness News has been following for months.

A federal judge ordered commissioners not to pray because they are in a federal court battle with the American Civil Liberties Union.

Eyewitness News went inside to see how leaders responded as hundreds gathered all along the square taking a stand.

People lined all along the steps of the Rowan County administrative building showing their support for county commissioners and urging them to pray in the name of Jesus.

Rowan County Commissioners began their meeting Monday night with an open prayer, but instead of praying to Jesus commissioners prayed to "the father."

Earlier this year the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of three county residents urging a judge to place an injunction, halting the Christian prayers at the start of the meetings.

A judge agreed and since then commissioners have prayed in one of the back rooms prior to those meetings.

The group Rally America assembled a crowd on Monday night and their message was simple. They believe commissioners should begin every meeting with prayer in the name of Jesus.

"I'm out here to stand up for the lord, Jesus Christ," said Sarah Cornhour.

Rally America said it plans to continue organizing rallies like these all across the country.